How much does the government owe the Belize Bank for the Universal debt? It's been advertised as BZE$33.5 million, but is that really it? Earlier this week we showed you two documents which say that it is US$33.5 million not Belize dollars. When we saw the figure on the settlement deed, we thought it was likely a mistake, no big deal - even if the Prime Minister had carelessly signed unto that mistake. But when the same so called mistake was repeated two months later by a top international law firm, well, that raised some questions. So today we asked the principal signatory to the settlement deed, Prime Minister Said Musa, which is it? Here's what he had to say.
Jules Vasquez,
Are you aware of the disparity on the settlement deed and the letter from Allen and Overy with US$33.45 million and BZ$33.45 million?
Rt. Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister
"Yes I gather you made something of that while I was away Jules and I am surprised that you would even think it could possibly be US$33.5 million. Everybody knows it is Belize currency we are talking about."
Jules Vasquez,
But Allen and Overy is a leading international law firm and they have it in a letter as well.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"Yes, well it is their mistake."
Jules Vasquez,
But I am surprised you would sign something without having read it.
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"Well the point is that it is clearly Belize currency and there is no doubt in anybody's mind about that."
Jules Vasquez,
Are you concerned that you signed something for US$33.45 million?
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"Yes it is one of those typographical errors that we omitted to notice, yes."
Jules Vasquez,
Sir what will you all do when the principal payment becomes due on September 23rd?
Rt. Hon. Said Musa,
"I believe we will be able to settle this matter long before that."
The Association of Concerned Belizeans has formally asked government to clarify the figure.
